Overview

Cellular pathology is the study of structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease. It is a dynamic, fast-evolving specialism which saves many lives by providing rational clinical care and therapy in the fight against many serious diseases, particularly cancer.

This course has a strong practical element, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed in a laboratory and gaining hands-on experience of diagnostic techniques. You will be able to study and learn within the University's specialist laboratories which include a modern, well-equipped cell culture facility and fully-equipped proteomics facilities. You'll also learn to use cutting-edge techniques and equipment for cellular and molecular analysis, such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and flow cytometers, DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, electrophoresis and HPLC.

The Biomedical Science courses at Middlesex have a burgeoning international reputation and the University's strong links with London hospitals and NHS Laboratories ensures that you will be studying the latest developments, practices and research. Our Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology has pioneered techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including our breakthrough in the development of a vaccine for bladder cancer.

Course highlights

All our teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneers in their own field

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science

Our location gives you easy access to the British Library, the Science Museum, the Royal Institution and more

Our flexible timetable means you'll only spend two days a week at university if you're studying full-time, or one if you're part-time

As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

Department

Course content

What will you study on the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology)?

You will study the structure and function of the body’s major organs, how different diseases affect the body and how they can be treated and prevented. You will investigate the cellular structure and function of different organs and types of tissue, the workings and effects of diseases, the use of histopathology and cytology to make diagnoses, and the processing and diagnostic techniques and technologies. You’ll look specifically at cancer, cervical screening and the HPV vaccination along with oncogenes, organ transplants, genetic disorders and Human Tissue Authority regulations.

What will you gain?

As well as in-depth knowledge of your subject, you will also gain a sound understanding of how to design and carry out experiments, statistical analyses as well as techniques for analysing samples and molecules. You will also be proficient and capable in all aspects of managing a laboratory, including people management, business plans and budgets, safety regulations, and quality management. You will become familiar with the ethical and legal issues which can surround specific types of research such as assisted reproduction and genetics, genetic testing, and human or animal research.

Modules

Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques (15 Credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques that are used in biomedical research, for the analysis of products, for improving diseases understanding and for the analysis of disease biomarkers. It also provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques together with analysis and interpretation of analytical data.

Biomedical Ethics and Law (15 Credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to provide insight into a range of ethical and legal issues that relate to professional practice, to research with human and animal subjects and to human reproduction, particularly various forms of reproductive technology. It will also aim to give students a broad overview of the relevant current UK ethical and legal regulations for research using human tissues. The module will further explore the ethical issues present in the rapidly developing area of genetic technology, including genetic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and the concept of genetic disease. After an introduction to basic ethical theory and legal principles, the focus of the module will be on exploring ways in which, by applying theoretical considerations to practice, ethical and legal issues can be critically analysed and addressed.

Cancer (15 Credits) - Compulsory

The module aim to provide student with the knowledge and understanding of the principles of carcinogenesis, malignancy and metastasis. They will understand how to apply cellular pathology to the diagnosis and management of a range of common cancers. They will apply cellular pathology techniques in cancer and gain experience of interpreting results from patient investigations.

Experimental Design and Statistics (15 Credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to provide students with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip students with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context.

Genetics Disorders (15 Credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the role and application of genetics testing in the diagnosis and management of patients with learning difficulties and the implications to other family members.

Laboratory Leadership and Management (15 Credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to provide students with current theories and approaches to leadership and management in order they can bring about effect positive change in the team or organisation that they lead or manage.

Major Organ Histopathology (15 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims is to provide the student with the knowledge and understanding of the cellular structure and function of the major organs and the cellular pathological findings in a range of clinical disorders other than cancer. An additional aim is to provide knowledge on the techniques that can be apply to investigation a range of clinical disorders and gain experience of interpreting results from patient investigations.

Pathological Basis of Disease (15 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims is to provide the student with the knowledge and understanding of the pathological basis of disease and the use of histopathology and cytopathology to detect and diagnose disease.

Research Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

Module aims to develop students' skills in planning and execution of an analytical, laboratory-based study and critical evaluation of real research results drawing on their acquired knowledge from other modules. In addition, the module aims to develop students' communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings in written and oral form.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Teaching

How will the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology) be taught?

You will do practical work in our laboratories and attend computer sessions, interactive lectures, seminars and workshops. Lectures will introduce you to key information and knowledge, which seminars and workshops will reinforce through discussions and problem-solving exercises. You’ll submit written work and give presentations, learn to carry out literature searches and analyse research literature, and undertake your own independent study in your spare time. This will include using resources on the university intranet, including quizzes and interactive videos.

Assessment

As well as practical and theoretical exams and your research project and dissertation, you will be assessed through presentations and written assignments. These will include essays, laboratory reports and logbooks, data analysis exercises, case study assignments, and papers made up of a literature review, hypothesis and research question. You will receive regular feedback on your work and will also be asked to evaluate your own work.

For your dissertation, you'll design, conduct, evaluate and present the results of your own independent and original research project in a clinical or laboratory setting. You can base your project at your workplace if you’re in relevant employment. You will present your finding through a 12,000 to 15,000 word report and a presentation to your tutors and fellow students.

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

A 2:2 honours degree in a related subject

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Qualifications

We accept the below equivalents from a recognised overseas qualification:

A 2:2 honours degree in a related subject.

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant Support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.

International students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. If you are on any other visa for the duration of study, please contact our admissions team to discuss possibilities of studying on a part-time basis.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications.

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Careers

How can the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology) support your career?

Biomedical Science represents the second largest profession registered by the Health Professions Council and there is a high demand for well-qualified graduates. This course will equip you with the skills and expertise you need to work in a wide range of roles such as management, consultancy, lab supervision, or in international roles within hospitals, schools and universities. Many graduates go on to become cellular pathologists, working alongside doctors, analysing patients’ samples to produce often urgent results, and advising on treatment. Alternatively, you could work in a medical or pharmaceutical research lab, developing new techniques for diagnosing and treating diseases. There are also opportunities in diagnostic laboratories within both the public and private sectors.

If you're currently working in cellular pathology, this Masters programme will help you progress to a more senior position. You might also wish to explore your options in research or academia, or even complete further study at doctoral level.

There are many opportunities available in a variety of sectors including academia, education, biotechnology, and even areas like patent law, forensic science and science journalism. Biomedical scientists also work with Public Health England, the Medical Research Council and the Health and Safety Executive.